Best Building Materials for Hurricane-Proof Homes

The United States frequently faces extreme weather at any time of the year. For example, in August 2020, Louisiana-Texas was hit by Hurricane Laura, blowing 150 mph winds. There have been many hurricanes, from Sandy of 2012 to Micheal of 2018, driving in high wind, heavy rain, and surge water, causing significant damage to buildings and infrastructure, especially in the state's coastal areas. Other parts like the Great Plains, Northeastern states, and Ohio Valley faced tornadoes in May 2019. And of course our latest, Ian this fall.Best Building Materials for Hurricane-Proof Homes

Many homes are shattered by this destruction and may take the loss of lives. This is because most houses could not withstand the stress from the wind moving at 150 miles per hour. The damages caused by this extreme weather has made architects and construction engineers replace their building materials with higher-resistance ones able to withstand natural disasters. Here are some materials used to hold homes in position during a hurricane.

Impact-proof doors and windows:

Most people consider impact-proof windows and doors an investment in the home but installing these materials will stabilize your property during a disaster. For example, you won't have to install a shutter during a hurricane. In addition, the material can withstand smaller to more giant storms, causing no damage to your property. Plus, the cost of replacing your doors and windows with impact-proof materials is cheap compared to the tranquility.

Rolling shutters:

If the impact-proof doors and windows are above your budget, the rolling shutters are the next choice. The rolling shutters are designed to open and close automatically. So when the hurricane is about to hit, the shutters automatically close to prevent damage to the property.

Steel Framing:

Steel framing is installed to keep the home firm and assertive during hurricane wind. The materials used to make the steel framing can withstand wind speeds. Unfortunately, the material is expensive, which leaves most people using wooden structures. However, wooden structures can withstand hurricanes blowing 140 mph, but steel ones can protect you from high wind. So, although it is not a necessary precaution in your home, it is necessary to have it in your project.

Metal Roof:

The roof is more vulnerable to storms. This is because the part of the house is exposed and can easily be blown off. Therefore, buying solid materials is crucial to invest hugely in the roof. However, these materials do not fully protect your roof from damage but can be sure to withstand the wind. In addition, the installation process should be done correctly to enjoy this firmly installed roof. Thus, hire a professional with proper training to install or replace the roof with proper materials and detail.

Concrete:

Concrete walls are installed in a property to protect it from flying debris caused by high wind speeds and pulling off the ground. Sadly, you can't easily replace walls, making it essential to place them at the start of the project. In addition, homeowners should fortify concrete walls to increase the strength and lifespan of the building.

Lastly, the best material for hurricane-proof is a regular home inspection, maintenance, and replacement of damaged components. A new home built with these materials will have a solid structure from the ground up. Yet, routine maintenance and inspection are critical factors when living in a hurricane-prone area.

 Most of Miami's buildings have been reenforced with hurricane-proof materials, windows, and roofs and we usually don't have much to worry about. But, understanding the types of materials and how they are built can certainly give you more peace of mind. 

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